Social Work Alumni
Brian Straub LCSW, ACSW
NameBrian L. Straub, LCSW, ACSW Job TitleDirector of Social Services Degree(s) earnedAttended PVCC from the Fall of 1998 to the Spring of 2001 and then transferred to ASU West. Licenses/CertificationsAcademy of Certified Social Workers, June 2009-Present Licensed Clinical Social Worker, September 2007-Present |
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Experience
My first social service experience was conducting volunteer work in Bill Lyon's SWU 102 Introduction to Social Work course at Paradise Valley Community College. From there I started working at a domestic violence shelter (Elim House) as an advocate, while completing my BSW. After graduating and becoming a licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW) I was promoted to a counselor for Elim House. Meanwhile, I started my first year MSW internship at Dynamic Living Counseling, Inc. completing assessments and co-facilitating group therapy with court appointed domestic violence offenders. My second year internship was as a family therapist with Elim House, as a work variance. After graduating with my MSW, I accepted a position with Chrysalis, Inc. as a therapist at one of their domestic violence shelters.
Work Satisfaction
I enjoy my career as a clinical social worker. I get to help clients view issues from different perspectives, I get to see clients make progress, teach clients new skills and ways of thinking, and I get to make an impact in a cause (DV) that I feel strongly about. I also enjoy helping clients relieve the painful signs and symptoms that are often associated with trauma.
Challenges
My biggest challenge is working in a larger (mezzo) system that often times does not value social services, due to political and social values that are not congruent with social work values and beliefs. The impacts that these incongruent values and beliefs have on my clients can be highly frustrating and challenging at times. However, advocating for political and social change is one way that I as a social worker can make an impact on my own frustrations with larger systemic issues.
Post MSW experience
Director of Social Services, March 2010-Present
Aurora Behavioral Health Care
Clinically supervise seven masters level social workers in a 75 bed inpatient psychiatric hospital. Provide assessment, diagnosis, treatment planing and individual and group therapy with adult and adolescent patients. Train and orient MSW's and facilitate the development of the social services department.
Psychiatric Social Worker, November 2007-February 2010
Arizona State Hospital
Complete in-depth psychosocial assessments and facilitate discharge planning and services tailored to successful community reintegration. Provide individual and group counseling and case management with adults who suffer from serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders. Act as a field supervisor for second year ASU MSW students.
Private Practitioner, October 2007-Present
Counseling and Psychological Associates, Tempe, AZ
Provide individual psychotherapy to adolescents and adults. Specializations: EMDR, Trauma, PSTD and mood disorders. www.BrianStraubLCSW.com.
Outpatient Therapist, July 2006-October 2007
Chrysalis, Phoenix, AZ
Conduct behavioral/mental health assessments with adults and adolescents seeking individual counseling. Provide outpatient individual and group therapy with adults and adolescents. Conducted training on domestic violence to community agencies and businesses.
Therapist, May 2005-July 2006
Chrysalis Shelter, Phoenix, AZ
Conducted initial behavioral/mental health assessments with all adult domestic violence shelter residents. Provided individual, group, and family therapeutic services to women residing in shelter and transitional housing. Facilitated training on domestic violence to community agencies.
Mebruke Birgeoglu
NameMebruke Birgeoglu Job TitleSocial Worker I, MSW Degree(s) earnedArizona State University West, MSW, May 2006 |
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Experience
After graduating from ASU with my BSW I worked for Prehab as a case manager at DV STOP. Here is a brief description from my resume:
September 2004 - August 2005: PREHAB of Arizona, DV STOP (Domestic Violence Safe Temporary Overflow Program), Supervising Case Manager.
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Leading a team of seven staff members.
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Operate crisis hotline
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Provide intervention and referral assistance both on the phone and in person
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Case management working both with parents and children
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Networking between domestic violence shelters and DV STOP in order to find shelter for victims of domestic violence
Job Description
Discharge planning for patients as they go home as well as some counseling.
Challenges
Biggest challenge for this position is learning about community resources. Each patient is unique and has unique needs. I feel that I am learning something new every day.
Denise Selvey
NameDenise Selvey Job TitleFamily Services Director, Cross Roads UMC Degree(s) earnedAttended PVCC from January 2003 to August 2004 |
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Experience
FAMILY SERVICES DIRECTOR, Cross Roads UMC
SOCIAL WORKER, Currently I am working for the Foundation for Senior Living at Phoenix Adult Day Health Services, 3620 N 4th Ave, Phoenix. I am a Social Worker there working with Seniors, Adults with Alzheimer's, Young Adults with Traumatic Brain Injuries and Adults living in Behavioral Health group homes. I have also been working for the past year with another non-profit, Open Table, which is an organization that matches faith communities with homeless individuals and families to aid them in their journey to self-sufficiency.
INSTRUCTOR, I have also been a field instructor for a social work intern from ASU at the West Campus, doing her internship with Open Table.
INTERNSHIP, Faith Counseling Center, Scottsdale, AZ Graduate level intern working with individuals in therapy.
INTERNSHIP, Cross Roads UMC, Phoenix, AZ Bereavement Counselor, Provide care and support as families and individuals move through the mourning process. Make mental health referrals for those experiencing complicated grieving.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, Provide education and resources for parents, teachers, and staff of preschool. Prepare community needs assessments for the surrounding neighborhoods. Launch and supervise community awareness campaigns. Educate home congregation regarding community needs and diversity.
Conduct strengths-based interviews to encourage community health. Family Services Counselor, Information and referral for clients in need of social services. Counsel individuals, families, and groups. Educate and advocate for child well-being in families and school. Support members in the hospital, making visits and assessing home care needs. Speak to community organizations about social issues.
Job Description
Children’s Ministry Director
Staff management
Administration
Individual and Family Counseling
Individual counseling
Family Counseling
Bereavement Care
Parenting classes
Pastoral Care
Community Outreach and Development
Assessment and Program Development
Activity implementation and administration
Challenges
The biggest challenge to social workers is not having enough time or resources to do everything you see that you would like to do. There is so much that is needed.
